Kuba Arosa Stereo/Record Console with Telefunken Turntable (1958-59) help

[katie_e]

Hi everyone,

I recently acquired a Kuba Arosa stereo/record console with a Telefunken Turntable in rough condition. From a few quick searches, I’ve found that it was produced from 1958-59, but little else. I know very little about vintage radios and turntables and even less about vintage wirings, parts, etc, but there are some obvious flaws which i will attach pictures of. Does anyone have any insights as to the potential issues with these systems?

I still need to purchase an updated plug, so as of now I have absolutely no idea how the systems function. If anyone has any suggestions about parts to buy in the meantime, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!!

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[Kay Pirinha]

Which issues does your appliance show? How many EL84's do you count? If it has indeed been built in 1958/59, there should be two of these tubes, but in PP, not in stereo configuration. Previously built ones only show one EL84 in SE (of course).

This unit of German provenance has been sold via mail order by Neckermann or Quelle then.

Best regards!

 

[Guerilla]

If stereo turntable that would be one of the very first no? Nice find. I have this from ~54' that I want to refit with modern amp and a newer record changer:

 

[Kay Pirinha]

The TT in the TO's console surely isn't a stereophonic one. My father once had the same TT in a cabinet that only contained this TT and a record stand. The PU was a simple monophonic crystal one. His radio was sitting atop the cabinet.

Best regards!

 

[Guerilla]

Yes I considered wiring mine for stereo pu, but decided to find a newer changer. Made a bid on a Eltra or Elektra that is not too modern looking.

@katie_e You do know its very dangerous to work on tube equipment right? There's high voltage even when its not plugged into the mains outlet. Sorry Im not qualified to aid, and I wish you best of luck. If you decide you are over your head, you could choose to refit the cabinet with modern modules.
Cheers!

 

[Galu]

I know very little about vintage radios and turntables and even less about vintage wirings, parts, etc.

Then this is not a system for you to start learning on.

I'll put it even stronger than Guerilla has - working on this project without the correct safety knowledge and equipment carries the Danger of Death!

I still need to purchase an updated plug,

P.S. The last thing you should do is plug it directly into the mains. That could bring about irretrievable damage. There's a whole prior testing procedure that must be undertaken before plugging in vintage equipment. This is a job for a knowledgeable technician.

 

[gpapag]

Hi katie
Firm Kuba was producing some fine looking consoles
https://web.archive.org/web/2016012...r-alten-radios.de/geschichte-kubamsm-128.html
Kuba was using electronic hardware from other W. German brands.

The one you have aquired has the chassis of the Nordmende Fidelio 57 3D (chassis 604).
It is a mono unit with three loudspeakers.
Radios of that age need a full restoration.
All small paper capacitors to be changed and many if not all electrolytics as well. Selenium rectifier too.
Then adjustment/alignment of radio sections.
There is some 260Vdc inside and you have to know what you are doing if you have to work with it.

George